Abiotic Factors
Water- Water is necessary for the chemical reactions in the cells of living things. All organisms require water, though not all need to drink it. Some obtain enough water in their food. For land animals, the availability of water is often the most vital factor in survival.
Temperature- Heat affects the speed of chemical reactions in the cells. As temperature increases, the rate of reaction increases. The body temperature of fish, reptiles and amphibians depends on the temperature of the environment. These animals can influence their body temperatures in some ways, such as lying on warm rocks in the sunlight to heat up or hiding in burrows if they are too hot. These animals are described as ectothermic or 'cold blooded'. This is because many of these animals are not 'cold' but have body temperatures that can vary with the environment. Birds and mammals like humans and kangaroos are endothermic or 'warm blooded'. Warm blooded organisms have the ability to generate heat internally and control heat loss to keep their temperature constant.
Temperature- Heat affects the speed of chemical reactions in the cells. As temperature increases, the rate of reaction increases. The body temperature of fish, reptiles and amphibians depends on the temperature of the environment. These animals can influence their body temperatures in some ways, such as lying on warm rocks in the sunlight to heat up or hiding in burrows if they are too hot. These animals are described as ectothermic or 'cold blooded'. This is because many of these animals are not 'cold' but have body temperatures that can vary with the environment. Birds and mammals like humans and kangaroos are endothermic or 'warm blooded'. Warm blooded organisms have the ability to generate heat internally and control heat loss to keep their temperature constant.
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Reptile's body temperature depends on the temperature of the environment. Its temperature will be very low overnight and on cold mornings and high after it has been lying in the sunlight..
Fire- Fires start because of lightning hitting trees or human activity. Australian Aborigines have used fir for many thousand years to keep bush open and to improve the growth of plants. They knew many Australian plants re-grow quickly after fires. A bush fire can kill some plants but it may help others. Some plants like flowers are better after a fire and some drop their seeds. Many Australian plants will sprout after a fire due to the chemical released in the smoke.
Light- Light is necessary for Photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the procedure which plants construct their food materials using water, carbon dioxide and light. Changes in the amount of light over the seasons triggers plants growth and flowering in many species.
Soil Type- Soils are not all the same. Some have more nutrients then others and some hold water than others.
Gas Levels- Most organisms require oxygen for respiration. There is usually enough oxygen in the air for organisms but the amount of water can change greatly. Colder water contains more oxygen than warm water does.
Light- Light is necessary for Photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the procedure which plants construct their food materials using water, carbon dioxide and light. Changes in the amount of light over the seasons triggers plants growth and flowering in many species.
Soil Type- Soils are not all the same. Some have more nutrients then others and some hold water than others.
Gas Levels- Most organisms require oxygen for respiration. There is usually enough oxygen in the air for organisms but the amount of water can change greatly. Colder water contains more oxygen than warm water does.